The “weeds” of Weeds

Beyond the colloquial association of the term “weed” to reference marijuana, the word holds several more meanings that are relevant to Weeds, especially in relation to Nancy’s supporting characters. Andy Botwin, Nancy’s brother-in-law, initially freeloads on Nancy’s affluent lifestyle, thus he can be considered an “undesirable or troublesome plant, esp. one that grows profusely where it is not wanted“, a lesser known definition of the word “weed” (Dictionary.com). We find out that Andy has spent a large portion of his adult life drifting from place to place on a whim, and he ends up at Nancy’s house, much to her chagrin. Nancy spends the better part of the first season letting Andy know that she doesn’t want him around, but he stays in her domain. Her voice changes, however, in later seasons when she realizes that he has been a blessing, rather than a curse.

Both Celia Hodes and Doug Wilson are characters that regularly serve as roadblocks in Nancy’s life, and could also be considered “useless and wretched” (Dictionary.com). Celia is both Nancy’s friend and enemy, and often maliciously escalates the situation Nancy is currently dealing with, such as throwing Nancy’s supply of marijuana in her pool in “Doing the Backstroke” (Weeds: Season 3). At the same time, Doug is Nancy’s inept accountant who unknowingly throws a wrench in her plans by embezzling money, toying with Celia, and being portrayed as perpetually high.